Sioux Falls, SD — Starting this winter, you may see the phrase “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS) included with Blizzard Warnings or Ice Storm Warnings. This is reserved for rare, high-impact events where forecasters have a high degree of confidence that life-threatening conditions will develop. Peter Rodgers, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls, says the designation is extremely rare and will only be used in the most significant winter weather events.

The National Weather Service in Sioux Falls has released its local winter outlook for the upcoming season. Rodgers tells us what residents across the region can expect this winter.

A strong El Niño pattern is expected to play a role in our weather over the next several months. However, Rodgers says that doesn’t necessarily mean the region will experience an unusually cold and snowy winter, as many people might traditionally assume

Iowa Winter Weather Awareness Day is November 5th.